A memorial fund has been launched for the family of murdered vicar Father Paul Bennett.

Churches across Britain are taking collections for Father Paul's grieving family as they prepare for the funeral on Tuesday at St Fagan's Church, Trecynon, Aberdare.

Father Paul, 59, was stabbed to death in the vicarage grounds 16 days ago, a tragedy that has stunned the community and caused an outpouring of grief.

The money collected during services in churches over the next few weeks will be given to Father Paul's widow, Georgina, 58, who lives with their disabled son Nigel, 34, daughter Emma, 32, and grandson John, 11.

Archbishop of Wales, Most Reverend Dr Barry Morgan, said clergy and parishioners were keen to support Father Paul's family in a practical way.

'Many of Father Paul's colleagues in the church have asked how they can help Georgina and the family and we think this is an appropriate way,' he said.

'Collections from services will be taken or plates placed at the back of churches for parishioners to contribute as they wish and all the money will be given to the family.'

Collections taken at the Chrism Eucharist at Llandaff Cathedral on Maundy Thursday and during the Governing Body of the Church in Wales after Easter will also be given to the fund.

Offers of support have also come from across the border.

Reverend Tony Shutt, of St Mary's in Send, Woking, is also organising a collection. He said: 'Most of us parish clergy will have some experience of being on the doorstep of our homes trying to deal with difficult and potentially treacherous people.

'So I can truly feel for what has happened to Paul and his family and community. I want to honour Paul's life and death in a practical way.'

Father Paul's funeral - a requiem mass - will be held at noon on Tuesday and will be followed by a cremation at Llwydcoed at 2pm. The service will be relayed outside for mourners.

The Archbishop of Wales will preside at the service and the Assistant Bishop of Llandaff, the Right Reverend David Yeoman, will preach.

Also present will be the former Bishop of Llandaff, the Right Reverend Roy Davies and Provincial Assistant Bishop David Thomas.

Hymns to be sung at the church will include Lord Enthroned in Heavenly Splendour, Tell Out My Soul, One More Step Along The Way and, at the crematorium, Take My Life and Let It Be.

Contributions to the fund should be made payable to the Father Paul Bennett Memorial Fund, and sent to the Representative Body of the Church in Wales, 39 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9XF.